I am simply a pilgrim finding my path. I was fortunate to have traveled globally then in 1999 I learned about the Camino's and I was hooked. I walked Camino Francés (2002, 2003, 2007) then Camino's Portugués, Finisterre, and Fin do Camino-Muxia (2008) and the 1,000 kms Via de la Plata (2009). After walking Camino Aragonés (2010) I "gave back to the camino" as a Hospitalera at Jesus Jato's Albergue Ave Fenix in Villafranca del Bierzo, León. My photos: http://web.me.com/lkarner/Part_2/Welcome.html

Sunday, February 20, 2011

Tripoli, Libya

Photo: Kay Yanev

Libya is in the news today with protests and uprisings by the people in Tripoli and Benghazi. The news reports are that there has been a lot of bloodshed in Tripoli and Gadhafi's foreign mercenaries are fighting against the people. A bloodbath! My heart goes out to the people of Libya.

At the time of our visit Libya had just opened up to American tourists. The people were friendly and it was refreshing that they had not yet learned to bother the tourists and would leave us alone. While waiting outside the museum for the rest of our group two young men spoke with me, they were interested in the USA and had many questions.

The Roman arch of Roman co-Emperor Marcus Aurelius (Antoninus Augustus) dates from A.D. 163. Marcus Aurelius lived for 59 years, between 121-180 A.D. This arch was brought to Tripoli from Leptis Magna.

We visit a mosque which is beautifully decorated inside. After the mosque we went with Kay and Peter for lunch in the souk, we had a recommendation and directions. The restaurant was near a carpet shop .... well there were many carpet shops but we found the place and the food was good.

Walking through the souk I photographed the various items for sale along with a Muammar Gaddafi plate. His photos were everywhere but I am not going to feature them.

We leave the souk and go to a museum. It is not as wonderful as the Bardo in Tunis but had interesting mosaic tiling displays, some Roman statues and for some reason a VW bug. Was it Gaddafi's? I do not remember.

The young girl photographed below asked me to take her photograph. Over the years I have had photo requests and often wonder why. She did not ask for money but will not see the photo. I tell myself that I should carry a Polaroid camera for just such moments. I hope this little girl and her family remain safe during these terrible times in Libya.

Followers

About Me

In 1999 I learned about El Camino de Santiago. I read all that I could on the web and bought the books available at the time (they are still the best books). I felt prepared to walk the camino. On April 28, 2002 at Saint-Jean-Pied-du-Port I stood and looked at the start of Route Napoleon and thought I must be nuts. Then I told myself that one foot after the other will get me to Santiago de Compostela and so off I went. The rest is my camino story .....

In 2009 I dedicated my Via de la Plata (VdlP) pilgrimage to Rolf from Duisburg, Germany. We met in Hontanas on the Camino in 2007. Originally a group of friends planned to walk the VdlP this year but as time passed folks dropped out. Rolf, who wanted to join us, was unable to because of necessary medical treatments. Unbeknown to me as I walked toward Santiago Rolf drove the 2,200 kilometers to SdC as he wanted to greet me when I walked into Praza do Obradorio. However, Rolf arrived one day early and could not wait so walked eastwards along the path. What a surprise it was seeing my friend coming towards me, it was wonderful. We hugged, laughed and cried, we were so happy ... what a special memory.